ED,
I used a piece of wood like that but I just picked up the plane with my fingers on the wood.It worked fine.I still have to fine tune the C.G.I was at 5in with 12oz of lead in the box.I took 4oz out and will recheck it after I get my engine back.Your plane looks great.Best of luck on your maiden.Keep us posted.

P.S. Mine weighs 16lb 2 oz at this point.A bit heavy.